the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o one_o whereof_o every_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v there_o be_v certain_a heavenly_a spark_n suit_v unto_o each_o condition_n the_o main_a duty_n of_o all_o man_n be_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o and_o increase_v they_o even_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o lapse_v nature_n there_o be_v coelestes_fw-la igniculi_fw-la in-notices_a of_o good_a and_o evil_a accusation_n and_o apology_n of_o conscience_n these_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o and_o increase_v which_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o in_o their_o sedulous_a exercise_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o effectual_a way_n of_o their_o exercise_n as_o in_o the_o soul_n application_n of_o itself_o unto_o god_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v do_v in_o prayer_n only_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o principal_o regard_v that_o be_v profess_a believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o have_v such_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o therein_o of_o all_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o be_v improve_v and_o exercise_v under_o those_o continual_a supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n their_o head_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o discharge_v every_o duty_n that_o in_o every_o condition_n or_o relation_n be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n among_o these_o be_v that_o of_o a_o ability_n for_o prayer_n and_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v it_o suppose_v they_o true_a believer_n be_v express_o to_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o because_o we_o be_v son_n god_n send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n but_o this_o ability_n as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v improve_v but_o in_o and_o by_o a_o constant_a exercise_n now_o whether_o the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n inquire_v into_o which_o certain_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o ability_n they_o have_v do_v not_o tend_v direct_o to_o keep_v they_o still_o low_a and_o mean_a in_o their_o ability_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v but_o suppose_v these_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o yet_o real_a believer_n but_o only_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o gospel_n not_o yet_o sincere_o convert_v unto_o god_n who_o duty_n also_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v on_o all_o occasion_n these_o have_v no_o such_o principle_n or_o ability_n to_o improve_v and_o therefore_o this_o advantage_n be_v not_o by_o they_o to_o be_v neglect_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v spiritual_a light_n according_a therefore_o to_o their_o measure_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o be_v their_o measure_n in_o spiritual_a gift_n also_o if_o they_o have_v no_o spiritual_a light_n no_o insight_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n prayer_n frame_v and_o compose_v according_a unto_o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o light_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n in_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o such_o indispensible_a necessity_n unto_o their_o soul_n 5._o but_o yet_o the_o advantage_n which_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n may_v have_v hereby_o in_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v for_o they_o and_o suggest_v unto_o they_o be_v also_o insist_v on_o this_o they_o may_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v in_o who_o yet_o have_v sincere_a desire_n to_o pray_v and_o who_o affection_n will_v comply_v with_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o indeed_o will_v carry_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n with_o it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v other_o way_n appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o under_o the_o guidance_n conduct_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n who_o work_n must_v be_v admit_v in_o all_o part_n of_o this_o duty_n unless_o we_o intend_v to_o frame_v prayer_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n such_o be_v man_n diligent_a and_o sedulous_a consideration_n of_o themselves_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n their_o want_n and_o desire_n a_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v both_o instruct_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o convince_v of_o their_o own_o concernment_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o help_v of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o all_o which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o who_o intend_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n to_o furnish_v man_n with_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v by_o they_o and_o so_o to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n whilst_o they_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o not_o to_o help_v or_o instruct_v they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v conscientious_o attend_v unto_o these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o those_o other_o pretend_a help_n for_o man_n to_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n not_o once_o inquire_v into_o their_o own_o way_n or_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o heart_n unless_o under_o some_o charge_n of_o conscience_n accompany_v with_o fear_n or_o danger_n never_o endeavour_v to_o examine_v try_v or_o compare_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o scripture_n nor_o scarce_o consider_v either_o their_o own_o want_n or_o god_n promise_n to_o have_v a_o book_n lie_v ready_a for_o they_o wherein_o they_o may_v read_v a_o prayer_n and_o so_o suppose_v they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o that_o matter_n be_v a_o course_n which_o sure_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v countenance_v or_o encourage_v in_o nor_o be_v the_o perpetual_a rotation_n of_o the_o same_o word_n and_o expression_n suit_v to_o instruct_v or_o carry_v on_o man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o rather_o to_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v and_o therefore_o common_o issue_v in_o formality_n and_o where_o man_n have_v word_n or_o expression_n prepare_v for_o they_o and_o suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o real_o signify_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v yet_o if_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n whence_o they_o be_v derive_v and_o whereinto_o they_o be_v resolve_v be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n fix_v and_o abide_v in_o their_o mind_n they_o can_v be_v much_o benefit_v or_o edisy_v by_o their_o repetition_n 6._o experience_n be_v plead_v in_o the_o same_o case_n and_o this_o with_o i_o where_o person_n be_v evident_o conscientious_a be_v of_o more_o moment_n than_o a_o hundred_o notional_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o trial._n some_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o have_v have_v spiritual_a advantage_n the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o holy_a intercourse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n and_o have_v their_o affection_n warm_v and_o their_o heart_n much_o better_v thereby_o and_o this_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n and_o token_n that_o they_o be_v not_o disapprove_v of_o god_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n at_o least_o unto_o many_o in_o prayer_n answ._n whether_o they_o be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a we_o do_v not_o consider_v but_o only_o whether_o they_o be_v for_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n before_o describe_v and_o herein_o i_o be_o very_o unwilling_a to_o oppose_v the_o experience_n of_o any_o one_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o least_o beam_n of_o gospel_n light_n only_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o propose_v some_o few_o thing_n to_o their_o consideration_n as_o 1._o whether_o they_o understand_v aright_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o natural_a devotion_n occasional_o excite_v and_o the_o due_a act_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o love_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o way_n direct_v unto_o by_o divine_a appointment_n all_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n or_o divine_a power_n which_o they_o adore_v when_o they_o address_v themselves_o serious_o to_o perform_v any_o religious_a worship_n thereunto_o in_o their_o own_o way_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v will_v have_v their_o affection_n move_v and_o excite_v suitable_o unto_o the_o apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o what_o they_o worship_v yea_o though_o in_o particular_a it_o have_v no_o existence_n but_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n for_o these_o thing_n ensue_v on_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o on_o the_o
or_o spiritual_a faculty_n of_o exercise_v faith_n love_n reverence_n fear_v delight_n and_o other_o grace_n in_o a_o way_n of_o vocal_a request_n supplication_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n phil._n 4._o 6._o this_o gift_n and_o ability_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v bestow_v and_o this_o work_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n insist_v on_o so_o cry_v abba_n father_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o wherein_o we_o shall_v assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o go_v before_o we_o in_o and_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o believer_n due_o exercise_v in_o duty_n of_o obedience_n do_v confirm_v and_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o our_o endeavour_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v ecstatical_a enthusiastical_a unaccountable_a rapture_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o a_o real_a gracious_a effect_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o spirit_n herein_o be_v that_o he_o supply_v and_o furnish_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o due_a comprehension_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n or_o what_o ought_v both_o in_o general_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o our_o particular_a occasion_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o without_o this_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o he_o ought_v for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n pray_v that_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o comprehension_n hereof_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o prayer_n be_v destroy_v and_o herein_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_v rom._n 8._o 26._o likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v it_o be_v that_o expression_n only_o which_o at_o present_a i_o urge_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v this_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v otherwise_o namely_o that_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o only_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o careless_a and_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o what_o they_o know_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v i_o shall_v make_v no_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v abominable_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v abide_v by_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o i_o shall_v further_o evidence_n immediate_o namely_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n no_o man_n know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o relief_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v account_v impudent_a if_o we_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n unto_o he_o whereof_o there_o be_v the_o least_o colourable_a pretence_n that_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o effect_v or_o provide_v for_o so_o great_a a_o unwillingness_n be_v there_o to_o allow_v he_o either_o place_n work_v or_o office_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o although_o man_n do_v not_o of_o themselves_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o yet_o this_o defect_n may_v be_v supply_v in_o a_o prescript_n form_n of_o word_n prepare_v on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v and_o confine_v man_n unto_o what_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o may_v therefore_o dismiss_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o assistance_n as_o unto_o this_o concernment_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o due_a matter_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o set_v down_o and_o fix_v on_o ink_n and_o paper_n that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v miss_v of_o his_o duty_n therein_o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o our_o ensue_a discourse_n namely_o what_o whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o affirm_v that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o ourselves_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v universal_o true_a as_o unto_o all_o person_n as_o well_o those_o who_o prescribe_v prayer_n as_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v and_o relieve_v we_o herein_o whether_o we_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o relinquish_v and_o neglect_v his_o assistance_n and_o so_o to_o rely_v only_o on_o such_o supply_n as_o be_v invent_v or_o use_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v that_o be_v plain_o whether_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v unto_o in_o this_o matter_n or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatever_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o summary_o comprise_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o in_o the_o book_n another_o thing_n to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v unto_o we_o the_o due_a matter_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o mouth_n must_v speak_v in_o this_o matter_n mat._n 12._o 34._o there_o be_v therefore_o in_o we_o a_o threefold_a defect_n with_o respect_v unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o can_v be_v so_o no_o other_o way_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n and_o therein_o be_v he_o unto_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o want_n 2._o we_o know_v not_o the_o supply_v of_o they_o that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o 3._o we_o know_v not_o the_o end_n whereunto_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v which_o i_o add_v unto_o the_o former_a without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o all_o these_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o he_o ought_v and_o we_o can_v no_o way_n know_v they_o but_o by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a it_o will_v be_v evident_a how_o in_o this_o first_o instance_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o our_o want_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o three_o head_n and_o none_o of_o they_o of_o ourselves_o do_v we_o know_v aright_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o due_a subject_n of_o our_o supplication_n and_o of_o some_o of_o they_o we_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o this_o first_o consist_v in_o our_o outward_a strait_n pressure_n and_o difficulty_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o with_o all_o other_o temporal_a thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o those_o thing_n it_o shall_v seem_v wondrous_o clear_a that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v whatever_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v of_o they_o and_o our_o natural_a desire_n about_o they_o yet_o how_o and_o when_o under_o what_o condition_n and_o limitation_n with_o what_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n what_o submission_n unto_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o know_v not_o therefore_o do_v god_n call_v the_o prayer_n of_o most_o about_o they_o howl_v and_o not_o a_o cry_n unto_o he_o with_o the_o heart_n hos._n 7._o 14._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o voice_n of_o nature_n cry_v in_o its_o distress_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n prayer_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o and_o man_n ofttimes_o most_o miss_v it_o where_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o know_v our_o temporal_a want_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n require_v more_o wisdom_n than_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v furnish_v withal_o for_o who_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o this_o life_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o vain_a life_n which_o he_o spend_v as_o a_o shadow_n eccl._n 6._o 12._o and_o ofttimes_o believer_n be_v never_o more_o at_o a_o loss_n than_o how_o to_o pray_v aright_o about_o temporal_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v in_o pain_n or_o distress_n or_o under_o any_o want_n who_o continuance_n will_v be_v destructive_a to_o his_o be_v but_o he_o may_v yea_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v deliverance_n from_o they_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n so_o
judge_v by_o they_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o they_o have_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o of_o any_o dissent_n about_o they_o but_o whereas_o a_o persuasion_n not_o only_o of_o their_o lawfulness_n but_o of_o their_o necessity_n be_v make_v use_n of_o unto_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o believer_n be_v high_o concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v make_v some_o enquiry_n thereinto_o i_o say_v it_o be_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o use_n as_o give_v occasion_n or_o a_o suppose_a advantage_n unto_o man_n to_o oppose_v deny_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n of_o prayer_n with_o its_o cause_n and_o end_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v that_o be_v that_o any_o way_n consider_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o their_o use._n for_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_n or_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o such_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o choose_v for_o their_o best_a and_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n in_o unless_o they_o be_v express_o idolatrous_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o case_n or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_a either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n revelation_n it_o be_v a_o silly_a apprehension_n and_o tend_v to_o atheism_n that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o act_n towards_o he_o according_a to_o that_o sovereign_a light_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n what_o the_o form_n intend_v be_v how_o compose_v how_o use_v how_o in_o some_o case_n impose_v be_v thing_n so_o know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o prayer_n be_v god_n institution_n and_o the_o read_n of_o these_o form_n be_v that_o which_o man_n have_v make_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o likeness_n thereof_o or_o in_o compliance_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v provide_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o or_o other_o to_o compose_v prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o we_o or_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o inference_n the_o direct_a contrary_a rather_o ensue_a on_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o it_o be_v build_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o beside_o the_o provision_n of_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o moreover_o promise_v do_v not_o communicate_v unto_o his_o church_n such_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o shall_v enable_v they_o without_o any_o other_o outward_a pretend_a help_n to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v not_o admit_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v christian_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o have_v provide_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o preach_v and_o command_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o make_v one_o sermon_n to_o constant_o read_v in_o all_o assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o variation_n unless_o we_o shall_v grant_v also_o that_o he_o cease_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n our_o enquiry_n therefore_o will_v be_v what_o place_n or_o use_v they_o may_v have_v therein_o or_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o perform_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o which_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o promise_v unto_o any_o to_o help_n or_o assist_v they_o in_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o or_o his_o assistance_n unto_o that_o end_n in_o particular_a nor_o foundation_n to_o build_v faith_n or_o expectation_n of_o receive_v he_o upon_z wherefore_o he_o be_v not_o in_o any_o especial_a or_o gracious_a manner_n concern_v in_o that_o work_n or_o endeavour_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o fall_v under_o his_o care_n as_o communicate_v gift_n in_o general_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v afterward_o examine_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o be_v no_o where_o peculiar_o promise_v for_o that_o end_n nor_o have_v we_o either_o command_n or_o direction_n to_o ask_v for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o purpose_n where_o he_o be_v so_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n i_o answer_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o plead_v at_o large_a in_o the_o explication_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v promise_v direct_o to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o they_o that_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o which_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v be_v pray_v but_o suppose_v it_o a_o duty_n in_o general_a so_o to_o compose_v prayer_n for_o our_o own_o or_o the_o use_n of_o other_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o aid_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o not_o as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a assistance_n in_o prayer_n not_o as_o he_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o sanctifier_n the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o every_o gracious_a work_n and_o duty_n in_o we_o it_o may_v be_v the_o prayer_n compose_v by_o some_o holy_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v also_o pretend_v but_o as_o the_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o work_n be_v a_o thing_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v ordinary_o promise_v or_o that_o any_o person_n can_v now_o pretend_v unto_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v dictate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v use_v afterward_o by_o other_o as_o mere_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v into_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o some_o of_o these_o external_a aid_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o one_o consideration_n utter_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o of_o these_o prayer_n be_v prepare_v by_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n martyr_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o indeed_o have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v but_o the_o person_n intend_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o assistance_n as_o any_o other_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n extraordinary_a supernatural_a inspiration_n they_o have_v not_o and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o it_o never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o such_o purpose_n as_o to_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n either_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o single_a person_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o especial_a promise_n give_v unto_o any_o this_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o unto_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v thereunto_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o common_a duty_n and_o fall_n under_o the_o help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o general_n so_o some_o man_n from_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n above_o other_o which_o they_o attain_v by_o spiritual_a light_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n and_o their_o comprehension_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o to_o be_v use_v and_o plead_v in_o our_o supplication_n may_v set_v down_o and_o express_v a_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o that_o shall_v declare_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o much_o more_o accommodate_v to_o the_o condition_n want_n and_o desire_n of_o christian_n than_o other_o can_v who_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o enlighten_v as_o they_o be_v nor_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v have_v for_o those_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v call_v which_o man_n without_o such_o light_n and_o experience_n compose_v of_o phrase_n and_o expression_n gather_v up_o from_o other_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o invent_v by_o themselves_o and_o cast_v into_o a_o contexture_n and_o method_n such_o as_o they_o suppose_v suit_v unto_o prayer_n in_o
general_n be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o word_v so_o quaint_a and_o elegant_a in_o expression_n be_v so_o empty_a and_o jejune_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o use_n unto_o any_o unless_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o pray_v while_o they_o live_v and_o such_o we_o have_v book_n good_a store_n fill_v withal_o easy_a enough_o to_o be_v compose_v by_o such_o as_o never_o in_o their_o life_n pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n from_o the_o former_a sort_n much_o may_v be_v learned_a as_o they_o doctrinal_o exhibit_v the_o matter_n and_o argument_n of_o prayer_n but_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o for_o other_o to_o be_v use_v as_o their_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o promise_n of_o peculiar_a spiritual_a assistance_n in_o with_o respect_n unto_o prayer_n in_o particular_a 2._o no_o man_n have_v any_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o compose_v a_o form_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o to_o make_v prayer_n in_o that_o sense_n suppose_v man_n as_o before_o in_o so_o do_v may_v have_v his_o assistance_n in_o general_n as_o in_o other_o study_n and_o endeavour_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o that_o especial_a assistance_n which_o he_o give_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n for_o man_n do_v not_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n however_o they_o may_v use_v they_o by_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n which_o he_o excite_v and_o act_n in_o those_o supplication_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a will._n nor_o be_v god_n the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o work_n their_o invention_n memory_n judgement_n be_v immediate_o exercise_v about_o their_o present_a composition_n and_o there_o they_o rest_v wherefore_o whereas_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n immediate_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a notion_n of_o prayer_n be_v no_o part_n of_o man_n work_n or_o design_n when_o they_o compose_v and_o set_v down_o form_n for_o themselves_o or_o other_o if_o any_o so_o do_v they_o be_v not_o under_o a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n therein_o in_o the_o manner_n before_o declare_v 3._o as_o there_o be_v no_o assistance_n promise_v unto_o the_o composition_n of_o such_o form_n so_o it_o be_v no_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o such_o singular_a and_o indispensible_a use_n unto_o all_o person_n the_o command_v for_o it_o be_v reiterated_a in_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o those_o concern_v any_o other_o particular_a duty_n whatever_o and_o if_o it_o have_v respect_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n with_o sundry_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o his_o name_n it_o fall_v under_o a_o new_a divine_a institution_n hereon_o be_v command_n give_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o pray_v continual_o without_o cease_v to_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o self_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o in_o our_o closet_n in_o our_o family_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o this_o work_n of_o make_v or_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o ourselves_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o command_n no_o institution_n no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o humane_a extract_n and_o original_a nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v expect_v from_o it_o but_o what_o proceed_v from_o that_o fountain_n a_o blessing_n possible_o there_o may_v be_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o such_o as_o issue_v from_o the_o especial_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o nor_o from_o any_o divine_a appointment_n or_o institution_n whatever_o but_o the_o reader_n must_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v these_o thing_n to_o prove_v form_n of_o prayer_n unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v but_o only_o at_o present_a declare_v their_o nature_n and_o original_a with_o respect_n unto_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v 4._o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v in_o their_o use_n which_o alone_o be_v pleadable_a in_o their_o behalf_n come_v next_o under_o consideration_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v with_o respect_n unto_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v the_o gift_n or_o ability_n of_o free_a prayer_n bestow_v on_o they_o or_o however_o have_v attain_v it_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v mean_a and_o low_a in_o this_o ability_n and_o therefore_o incompetent_a to_o perform_v this_o duty_n without_o that_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o they_o and_o unto_o both_o sort_n they_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o use_n and_o advantage_n 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o much_o advantage_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o those_o who_o can_v pray_v otherwise_o unto_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n yet_o ought_v sometime_o to_o use_v they_o what_o this_o benefit_n be_v have_v not_o be_v distinct_o declare_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v nor_o can_v divine_v wherein_o it_o shall_v consist_v sacred_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v mere_o to_o show_v our_o liberty_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v herein_o a_o neglect_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n if_o not_o also_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v they_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o and_o to_o forgo_v its_o exercise_n on_o any_o just_a occasion_n seem_v not_o warrantable_a we_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o make_v in_o the_o flock_n and_o do_v sacrifice_n that_o which_o in_o comparison_n thereof_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n we_o be_v deceiver_n free_a prayer_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o it_o be_v more_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o to_o scripture-commands_a and_o example_n than_o the_o use_n of_o any_o prescribe_a form_n to_o omit_v therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a ability_n therein_o and_o voluntary_o to_o divert_v unto_o the_o other_o relief_n which_o yet_o in_o that_o case_n at_o least_o be_v no_o relief_n do_v not_o ready_o present_v its_o advantage_n unto_o a_o sober_a consideration_n and_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o at_o present_a i_o examine_v not_o what_o man_n or_o church_n may_v agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n as_o judge_v and_o avow_v it_o best_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o another_o consideration_n but_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n and_o condition_n 2._o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o the_o use_v of_o such_o form_n be_v of_o singular_a advantage_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v low_a and_o mean_a in_o their_o ability_n to_o pray_v of_o themselves_o i_o propose_v it_o thus_o because_o i_o can_v grant_v that_o any_o who_o sincere_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o he_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o make_v request_n unto_o he_o for_o relief_n without_o any_o help_n but_o what_o be_v suggest_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n what_o man_n will_v wilful_o neglect_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v if_o they_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o their_o duty_n be_v another_o neither_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o he_o can_v make_v use_n of_o a_o compose_a prayer_n with_o understanding_n but_o also_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o be_v able_a to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o what_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o and_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o far_a no_o man_n prayer_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v i_o speak_v therefore_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o ability_n see_v none_o be_v absolute_o unintere_v therein_o unto_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o use_v these_o form_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o low_a and_o mean_a all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n for_o whereas_o both_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o